Injury scare for England skipper Steven Gerrard

Rio de Janeiro: England captain Steven Gerrard managed only light training on Monday ahead of the World Cup as he struggled with what was termed as a minor groin strain.

England skipper Steven Gerrard. Pic/Getty Images

Gerrard, 34, did only a few runs down the touchline as the main squad was put through a punishing schedule at the Urca military base in Rio de Janeiro.

The Liverpool midfielder went inside before the end of the session. England staff said it was a minor ailment and they had no doubt Gerrard would be ready for England's first Group D match against Italy on Saturday.

Gerrard missed half of England's 0-0 draw with Honduras on Saturday as a precaution.